Introducing Dr Geena Chiu. Geena started working at Halswellhealth in March 2023 and consults from our Longhurst and Ensign locations on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Geena was born in Hong Kong and raised in Auckland. She moved to Dunedin and Christchurch for her medical training and subsequently graduated from the University of Otago in 2013. She has also completed further studies to attain a Post-graduate Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Diploma in Child Health. Geena has worked in several cities including Christchurch, Tauranga, and Wellington. Geena enjoys the breadth of general practice, particularly the opportunity to get to know her patients and develop long-term relationships with them. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her young family.
After 10 years of dedicated service to our patients and team, Dr Caroline Mackenzie has advised that she will be retiring from General Practice on 29 October 2026.
Good news for parents and caregivers! From 1 September 2026, influenza vaccination is now funded for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Previously, funding was limited to children who met certain eligibility criteria. This has now been expanded in response to high rates of influenza illness and hospitalisations among young children.If your child is aged 6 months to under 5 years, they are now eligible for a funded flu vaccine. How many doses will my child need?If your child is 6 months to under 4 years and this is their first year receiving a flu vaccination, they will require 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart. If your child has previously received a flu vaccination, they will generally require just 1 dose this year. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. The New Zealand flu season started later than usual and may continue for longer this year. The current flu vaccine is a good match for the influenza viruses currently circulating. Please contact Halswellhealth reception 03 322 8121 to book your child’s vaccination or you can book via your patient portal.
We are very sad to advise that our friend and colleague Anna Swain passed away this week, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease.
